Blown head gasket?

[matty2670]

I have just seen that the radiator expansion tank is full of beige coloured sludge - which I thought must be caused by a blown head gasket. However, the oil around the oil filler is clean, with no signs of the same brown sludge. Any ideas? I have to drive nearly 300 miles on Xmas day and I don't want the car to break doen halfway up the A1...

[TWR]

Hi, the expansion tank at times does show Brown this is with not Flushing the system out once in a while, This weould be an Idea to do, Remove the dip stick, Does t show signs of water? Is there bubbles in the Expansion tank? Does the car use water? Is there constant white vapour coming out of the rear Exhaust? If not, No problems.

[matty2670]

Thanks TWR - you've really put my mind at rest. The dipstick is clear as well, no signs of water. There is a bit of white smoke out of the exhaust but it stops once the engine is warm. No bubbles in the expansion tank and no signs of a water leak. It's an old car and it's only got to last me a few months, so I don't want to spend a fortune on it!

[TWR]

Hi Matty, If you are going to that sort of mileage, the checks you should do Tyres + spare pressures, oil-water-screen water-radiator-all lights-also just check your fan belt this in turn can cause you big problems, Safe Journey & a merry Exmas to you & all.